Bitter melon is a familiar vegetable with numerous health benefits. But how can we prepare it deliciously? How do we stir-fry bitter melon without bitterness? Below, we share methods to reduce bitterness, hoping they prove helpful.
Bitter melon is not only tasty but also rich in nutrients. It clears the mind, sharpens vision, boosts energy, reduces fever, lowers blood sugar, and even helps prevent cancer. However, improper preparation can leave it bitter. How can you stir-fry bitter melon without bitterness? How to make bitter melon delicious?
I. How to Stir-Fry Bitter Melon Without Bitterness
Bitter melon contains a substance called cucurbitacin, which is responsible for its bitterness.Common methods to reduce bitterness include:
1. Stir-frying with chili peppers: Combining bitter melon with chili peppers in a stir-fry lessens bitterness. Wash and julienne the bitter melon. Heat a wok over high heat without oil. Once hot, add the bitter melon strips and stir-fry. If too dry, add a splash of water. Cook until tender, then set aside.Next, heat oil in the wok and stir-fry the chili pepper strips. Add the cooked bitter melon strips, stir to combine, season with salt and sugar to taste, then serve.
3. Blanching: Cut the bitter melon into chunks, boil until tender, then soak in cold water. This removes most bitterness but also diminishes the vegetable's natural flavor.
4. Water Soaking: Halve the bitter melon, remove seeds, and slice into strips. Rinse in cold water while gently squeezing by hand. Change the water and repeat this soaking process three to four times. The bitter juices will wash away. Bitter melon prepared this way becomes deliciously sweet with a subtle bitterness when stir-fried.
5. Ice Soaking: Slice the bitter melon and soak it in ice water for a period of time before removing. This reduces the bitterness somewhat. Alternatively, freeze it briefly in the refrigerator.
6. High Heat: Blanch sliced bitter melon in boiling water before use.
These are the methods we've introduced to reduce the bitterness of bitter melon. We hope you now have a better understanding. Wishing you good health and happiness.